Leonid Utyosov Monument, Odessa (must see)

In the heart of Odessa, along the pedestrian stretch of Derybasivska Street, stands the Monument to Leonid Utyosov—a bronze sculpture that captures the relaxed spirit of one of the city’s most beloved entertainers. The figure shows the celebrated singer and comic actor seated on a bench, as though taking a pause after a lively performance.

The statue pays tribute to Leonid Osipovich Utyosov, born in 1895 in Odessa, who rose to fame as a jazz‑influenced singer, bandleader, and actor in the Soviet era. He became the first pop‑style performer to receive the title “People’s Artist of the USSR” in 1965. The monument was unveiled in 2000, on the city’s anniversary celebration, offering a friendly cultural highlight for visitors and residents alike.

The location is ideal for a leisurely visit: the bench sculpture sits in the small green space of the city garden adjacent to the famed street, and many visitors like to pause and take a photo next to Utyosov’s likeness. While the monument might appeal especially to those with some familiarity with 20th‑century Soviet popular culture, its charm and accessible setting make it a pleasant stop on a walking tour of Odessa’s downtown.

When strolling through Derybasivska and the surrounding pedestrian zones, allocating a few minutes to this monument adds a personal, human touch to the city’s rich architectural and cultural landscape. Consider visiting during daylight for the best photo lighting, and allow a moment to appreciate how a city remembers its entertainers as part of everyday urban life.